MALAWI'S BANDA DESERVES THE SUPPORT OF HER PEOPLE

November 18, 2012

President Joyce Banda of Malawi has revealed that confidential documents that she has gained access to as head of state, contain details of a plot by her predecessor, President Bingu wa Mutharika, to have her assassinated. Speaking to the Sunday Times, President Banda spoke of her tribulations as vice-president and how Mr Mutharika had made it immediately clear that he wanted her replaced by his brother. The alleged plot was planned on 2010 and involved having a loaded lorry smash into her car. The "accident" occured, but Ms Banda had been sitting in a different car in the motorcade on the advice of one of her security officers. She explained that the motivation was to stop her form inheriting the presidency in the event of President Mutharika dying in office.

As president, Ms Banda has struggled to tackle the corruption that was endemic in the corridors of power and in her pursuit for reform she found many of her initiatives blocked. Some proposed changes were stalled by public opinion, such as her intention of legalising homosexuality. Despite the hurdles, however, she has managed to make a positive impact, reviving foreign aid, tackling the economy and trimming government excesses. Her problem is that the benefits of her programmes may not be felt until after the next elections due in another 15 months.

It is remarkable that she has managed to achieve so much already. Given the full trust and backing of her people, she would no doubt steer her nation to prosperity and full human rights for all Malawians, irrespective of their gender, religion or sexuality.